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Chemical engineering combines the study of science with
manufacturing, and the principles used in the field are used to
solve a variety of problems, conduct research, and develop
products. Chemical engineering has grown considerably in the
last decade with the increases in technology, and the demand for
specializations within the field is very high. From designing
equipment to testing and experiments, a chemical engineer is
involved with a variety of manufacturing projects. The work of a
chemical engineer often overlaps in the areas of physics,
mathematics, statistics, and environmental work. Chemical
process analysis and design are the foundation for a chemical
engineering career, and a chemical engineering degree program
can provide the training needed for a position within this
industry.
What Is Chemical
Engineering?
Chemical engineering deals with the application of mathematics, chemistry, and
physics. A chemical engineer is usually involved with the design and maintenance
of various chemical processes, and these can be applied in different economic.
From the agricultural sector to the automotive industry, a chemical engineer is
responsible for analyzing, testing, and approving a variety of experiments and
processes. Designing systems and ensuring that they are economically viable is
another part of the basic job description in the field. Modern chemical
engineering careers specialize in products and services in a variety of fields,
including:
Job Description and
Responsibilities of a Chemical Engineer
A
chemical engineer is primarily responsible for:
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Designing systems that are focused on the conservation of energy
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Specializing in oxidation or polymerization
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Developing products such as fertilizer, automotive plastics, clothing, and
pulp
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Designing equipment for large-scale chemical manufacturing
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Planning and testing manufacturing products
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Supervising a team of chemical engineers during testing and product
development stages
A
chemical engineering degree provides the research, technical, and production
skills needed to pursue a chemical engineering career. Manufacturing industries
in particular need a skilled chemical engineer team to stay competitive within
the growing industry.
Typical Chemical
Engineering Careers
After graduation from a
chemical engineering degree program, the most common types of chemical
engineering careers available include positions in:
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Chemical process modeling
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Chemical technology
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Biotechnology
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Heat and mass transfer
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Nanotechnology
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Biochemical engineering
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Fluid dynamics
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Distillation design
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Environmental engineering
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Materials science
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Thermodynamics
These are all branches of
engineering, and can become highly specialized after training with a
concentration in the field. For example, Chemical process modeling is a computer
modeling technique that uses special software to generate a Process Flow
diagram. Biochemical engineering is a branch of chemical engineering that
involves the design and construction of biological organisms and molecules.
Environmental engineering is an application of both science and engineering to
provide healthy water, air, and land for the environment. Many skilled
professionals in this area work with air and pollution control firms, as well as
the waste management industry.
Chemical Engineering Degree
Programs and Training
The focus of chemical
engineering degree programs is to apply all aspects of chemical manufacturing to
the environment and safety of workers and consumers. After completing a chemical
engineering degree program, a chemical engineer can work in multiple industries
for planning, development, and production. The healthcare, biotechnology, and
services fields also require extensive training, and many offer internships and
work study programs for those enrolled in their last year of a chemical
engineering degree program. Learning how to create and develop processes is the
critical to long-term success in the field of chemical engineering, and the most
common areas of study include:
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Electronic processing
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Semi-conductor processing
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Plastics and high
performance materials
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Biochemical and biomedical
processes
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Ceramics
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Electrochemical processing
A
chemical engineer is usually involved with a variety of processes such as:
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Chemical synthesis
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Chemical separation
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Chemical reaction
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Distillation
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Filtration
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Heat
transfer operations
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Energy balances
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Thermodynamics
Students interested in
pursuing chemical engineering careers need to have strong analytical and
mathematical skills, and have a solid background in mathematics, physics,
biology, and even general engineering. They will need to develop strong
technical writing and reporting skills, and develop sustainable systems using a
variety of modules and formulas.
Chemical Engineering Careers
A successful career in
chemical engineering requires a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree in the
field is also highly attractive to potential employers. Chemical engineering
careers can branch out into various specializations, but many entry-level
positions begin after an internship or work study program. Earning an online
chemical engineering degree offers some flexibility with scheduling, and allows
students to complete a chemical engineering education from a distance if they
need it.
Chemical Engineering Degree
Accreditation
All chemical engineering
degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Education and
Technology (ABET). This organization is also responsible for monitoring and
certifying each branch of chemical engineering degree programs, and also
accredits online chemical engineering degree programs.
Earning an Online Chemical
Engineering Degree
An
online chemical engineering degree can be a valuable way to earn college credit
while working, and is also helpful for students who are interested in completing
their education from a distance. An online chemical engineering degree is
designed to train students in the areas of computer-aided process design and
research, as well as in-depth training in the fundamentals of chemical
processes, manufacturing, and product development.
Future Employment Prospects
and Earning Potential for Chemical Engineering Careers
Even
though employment in the chemical manufacturing industry is expected to decline,
there will be a continuous demand for researching and developing new products
and processes. Chemical engineering careers are expected to grow lower than the
average through 2012, but the industries in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and
the service sector look especially promising.
The
median salary for a chemical engineer was $72,490 in 2002, and starting salaries
for those with a bachelor's chemical engineering degree were $52,834 in 2003.
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